d
her her reckless son as he dallied with the complaisant beauties whose
graciousness, next to dice-playing, most inflamed his blood, had
sometimes disturbed his peace of mind when Biberli suggested it. But when
Eva looked joyously up at him with the credulous confidence of a trusting
child, he could imagine no greater bliss than to hear his mother,
clasping the lovely creature in her arms, call her her dear little
daughter.

His reckless nature was subdued, and an emotion of tenderness which he
had never experienced before thrilled him as she whispered, "Take me to a
place where everybody can see us, but where we need not notice anyone
else."

How significant was that little word "we"! It showed that already she
united herself and him in her thoughts. To her pure nature nothing could
be acceptable which must be concealed from the light of the sun and the
eyes of man. And her wish could be fulfilled.

The place where Biberli had discovered them, and where refreshments had
just been served to the Emperor and the ladies and gentlemen nearest to
his person, who had been joined by several princes of the Church, was
shut off by the bannerets, thus preventing the entrance of any uninvited
person; but Heinz Schorlin belonged to the sovereign's suite and had
admittance everywhere.

So he led Eva behind the black and yellow rope to two vacant chairs at
the end of the enclosed space where the banquet had been swiftly arranged
for the Emperor and the other illustrious guests of Nuremberg.

These seats were in view of the whole company, yet it would have been as
difficult to interrupt him and his lady as any of the table companions of
the imperial pair. Eva followed the knight without anxiety, and took her
place beside him in the well-chosen seat.

A young cup-bearer of noble birth, with whom Heinz was well acquainted,
brought unasked to him and his companion sparkling Malvoisie in Venetian
glasses, and Heinz began the conversation by inviting Eva to drink to the
many days brightened by her favour which, if the saints heard his prayer,
should follow this, the most delightful evening of his life. He omitted
to ask her to pour the wine for him, knowing that many of the guests in
the ballroom were watching them; besides the saucy little count came
again and again to fill his goblet, and he wished to avoid everything
which might elicit sarcastic comment. The young cup-bearer desisted as
soon as he noticed the respectful reserve